Books: You Can Write A Mystery

You Can Write A Mystery by Gillian Roberts
My Verdict: Own It

If you have a mystery idea spinning around in your brain, but aren't sure if you've thought it all out, this book is extremely helpful. Take out a notebook, and, as you read through, pretend that every segment is a question directed at you, about your idea. When you finish reading you'll have all the bare bones of your novel assembled (and maybe some organs you fleshed out because you couldn't put down your pen).

Roberts covers:

• Mystery Sub-genres (noir, humorous, hard-boiled, cozy, puzzle, and suspense [psychological, thriller, romantic])
• Seven C’s of basic story elements (Characters, Conflict, Causality, Complications, Change, Crisis, Closure)
• How to choose between: Amateur Sleuth, Semi-Professional, or Professional
• How to choose between: Series or Stand-Alone novel

And all the other basics to writing a good novel.

If you are ever going to write a mystery – Own this book.

If you are ever going to write – Read this book.

If you've never written a mystery (or any genre) this is a nice book for beginners. It keeps on point and wastes no words.

If you want to remind yourself about mystery (because you've been writing other genres) this will be a relaxing refresher course.

If you are a published mystery writer, you might be bored (unless you like remembering the basics).

Your homework: pick out your favorite mystery novel and decide why it is the best you've ever read.

Rating Scale: Keep on Desk, Own It, Read It, Skim It, Don’t Bother